Fri - Mar 30/12

My Brake Buddy, which worked fine on previous trips,  refused to complete the Auto Start cycle when we left home in December and remained on "Bleed Brakes". I put it in place and continued onto Arizona (very carefully). On arrival I checked it again and it went through all the cycles perfectly. What to do?

At the Good Sam RV Rally in Phoenix I talked to the Brake Buddy product manager. I indicated I was not 100% sure if it would "lock up" again. He informed their service department of my concerns and they contacted me by phone. I made arrangements to return the Brake Buddy and it will be upgraded to the latest model (nominal fee) and be returned with a new 3 year warranty. Their turn around time is quick - it is the delivery that takes time. For this reason we have extended our stay at the park.

Our first stop today was the shopping plaza across from the park. I went to the UPS store and sent off the Brake Buddy. Charlotte next door to Cost Cutters and made an appointment. After our haircuts there we went to the other side of the plaza to Chen's Chinese Bistro for lunch. The food is plentiful, tasty and reasonably priced. No wonder it is a park favourite.

We did some Rv chores and went swimming at the "old pool". The live music on the patio played while we swam. Like Richard Simmons we were "Sweating Swimming to the Oldies" (grin). Talked with some folks we sat with earlier in the week at the steak supper.  After the swim I brought them a list of activities and restaurants in the area. They were heading out for supper. I suggest "The Mining Camp" just a short distance away down the historic Apache Trail.

We then headed out to the Whole Foods Market. The closest store was in Chandler, AZ - quick 45 minute ride away on the Loop 202. They are the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, with stores throughout North America and the United Kingdom.

They also sell a large selection of wines and have a number of areas where you can order their products cooked to order. It is an "In Place" with the younger crowd to eat, drink and just "Be". They order or pick up food from several location - often "by the pound" and bring it to an eating area. The store (for small a "corking" fee) will allow you to purchase any wine or beer product they sell and enjoy it with your meal. They also have draft beer on tap.

We ordered "Pulled Pork" sandwiches at the Cookhouse and ate at their counter. Delicious and large.

Natural, organic and unique increases the prices over the similar "regular" product. The "produce" was excellent and usually larger than what is in the regular grocery store counters (larger price to match). There is a large selection of  "Gluten Free" or special items throughout the store.

We purchased a few items and headed back to the RV park. It was such a lovely evening (after 9 pm) that we decided to take the 45 mph rather than the 65 mph roads. We travelled North  to Baseline Road which crosses most of the greater Phoenix area (East-West) and took it back towards the park. As usual, at a steady 45 mph, the traffic lights were mostly green. It took a bit longer but was thoroughly enjoyable!

All that fresh air meant we were asleep shortly after the Tonight Show monologue.